Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Inaugurates New Terminal Building at Vijayawada Airport

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the newly constructed terminal building at Vijayawada International Airport , marking another step in the expansion of aviation infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking to reporters after the inauguration, the minister said work on an additional terminal project at the airport is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed within the next three months. He expressed satisfaction with the development of the new facility, describing it as a modern and aesthetically designed structure that will significantly enhance the passenger experience.

The terminal has been built at a cost of ₹77 crore . Ram Mohan Naidu congratulated the teams involved in the project, including officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and personnel from the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) divisions, for their contribution to the successful completion of the facility.

Highlighting the Centre’s efforts to strengthen air connectivity from Vijayawada, the minister said domestic flight services to major metropolitan destinations such as Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi have been expanded in response to growing passenger demand. He added that international connectivity is also being strengthened, pointing to the recently launched Vijayawada–Singapore service, which has received a positive response from travelers.

Ram Mohan Naidu said the government is working on a long-term plan to integrate Vijayawada into a broader international aviation network through a hub-and-spoke model . Under this approach, passengers would be able to complete immigration formalities locally before boarding international flights through major overseas hubs, making international travel more convenient.

The minister also provided an update on the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport project in north Andhra Pradesh. He said the airport is nearing readiness for inauguration and features a world-class terminal designed to serve the growing travel needs of the region. The Centre has requested the Prime Minister to inaugurate the facility, and flight operations are expected to commence soon after its formal launch.

According to the minister, the expansion of airport infrastructure across Andhra Pradesh is aimed at improving connectivity, supporting economic growth and positioning the state as an increasingly important aviation hub in southern India.